How Does Window Tinting Work?

How Tinted Windows are Made and Installed

Window tinting is a common service provided by professional auto glass and auto body shops. To tint auto windows, these shops first buy window tinting supplies from specialized manufacturers. These supplies consist of window tint film, powerful adhesives and precision cutting and smoothing tools. The window tint film is made from very thin sheets of polyester that have been treated with dyes, metals and plastics to create a darkened or colored shade. The adhesives are designed specifically for this purpose and are used to glue the film to the inside of the glass. The precision tools are used to trim the film to size and to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles before the adhesive sets.

Once a customer selects her desired shade, the auto glass professionals clean and dry the insides of the windshields and windows. Adhesive is applied to the inside of each window and windshield, and an oversized section of tint film is carefully affixed to it. Squeegee-like tools are used to smooth out bubbles, wrinkles and imperfections, and then razor blade knives are used to trim off the excess.

What Tinted Windows Do for Cars

There are a variety of reasons a driver might want tinted windows for his car. Many window tints offer protection against powerful UV rays from the sun. These rays fade dashboards and interiors over time, so tinting is an effective defense against aging and discoloration.

Because tinted windows provide shade, they make the interiors of tinted cars much cooler than those of non-tinted cars on hot days. This shade also makes it difficult for those outside of the car to see inside, so drivers can more confidently leave valuables inside of their cars without worrying about break-ins.

What Tinted Windows Do for Drivers

The benefits of tinting to drivers and passengers are even more significant. The same UV protection that can save a driver's dashboard can also help combat the cancer-causing properties of ultraviolet light, just like sunscreen can. Window tinting can be more of a lifesaver than a luxury to drivers who have been diagnosed with skin cancer or who live in areas that receive great amounts of unobstructed sunlight.

Proper tinting can help improve daytime driving visibility by dramatically reducing glare and brightness. Excessive tinting, however, can reduce the visibility of nighttime driving to a dangerous level. State laws prohibit tinting on a level that might be considered unsafe.

The polyester film used in window tinting can often hold together a window or windshield that has been broken. This is rarely promoted as a safety feature of window tinting, as it is not one of the intended effects, but it can help to reduce the potential for injuries in auto accidents.

Window tinting can also provide privacy for people who don't want to be recognized, including celebrities.

Resources

• Window tinting restrictions vary by state; read this state-by-state guide before you buy